Which are the best value mobile field shelters?

Comparing mobile field shelters for horses

Not all mobile field shelters are made equal. When you're comparing mobile field shelters for horses there are a number of things to consider, like how well made are they, what sort of timber is used, how are they constructed and what features are included. Some of the cheapest mobile field shelters you can find are built with a pent roof (like a lean-to shed) which is inherently lower than a proper apex roof, providing much less headroom for your horse and less space for air circulation and light. Some of these will be built with less substantial framing, without kickboarding to protect the field shelter walls and sometimes do not include skids which not only allow you to move your field shelter but also raise the framing and walls off the wet ground.

So what should you look for when comparing mobile field shelters? Below are some key considerations and recommendations.

Structure:

Mobile field shelters are constructed using timber framing which is clad externally and usually partially lined internally. Colt field shelters are constructed with specially treated FSC certified timber that has a low environmental impact and is designed to last. We use solid timber framing measuring 75mm x 50mm which is strong enough to withstand the rigours of equestrian life.

All external timber is pressure-treated to protect it from the weather and ensure that it lasts for years to come. The exterior is clad with 16mm (12mm finished) pressure-treated shiplap cladding.

Dimensions:

Mobile field shelters are not two-dimensional, headroom is an important factor to take into account. Because they are less complicated to build, pent roof field shelters, which resemble lean-to shed roofs, are frequently found on less expensive field shelters. All Colt Stables, however, have apex roofs to offer plenty of headroom and additional space for light and ventilation.

We have various sizes available for our mobile field shelters from 12ft to 36ft.

Features & Options:

To prevent horses from kicking or rubbing against the walls, OSB kickboarding is installed inside our field shelters up to a height of 1.2 metres. You should make sure your field shelters have this installed.

It's easy to underestimate the value of having a canopy or extended overhang in front of your field shelters, but this covered space offers your horses much-needed shelter from heavy weather conditions and helps to keep prevailing wind driven rain from being blown into the shelter. The minimum canopy/overhang for field shelters should be 1.2 metres, which is what ours has. Some provide either no canopy at all or a very small canopy.

Our field shelters also include front guttering and a downpipe to avoid rainwater pooling in front of your field shelter; however, not all manufacturers include these as standard features.

Standard roofing options are generally quite similar between manufacturers with Onduline being the most common, which is affordable and designed to be effective with a good lifespan. Some manufacturers offer metal roofing but as horse owners, we're very conscious that most horses won't thank us for metal roofing in a hail storm! Like many, we offer black Onduline as standard but we also offer green, red or brown Onduline, complemented with clear roof sheets to allow extra light into the field shelters, as well as underboarding to the roofing to provide additional support to the Onduline.

Field shelters usually have open entrances for horses or livestock to come and go. However we do offer various alternatives for enclosing the shelters to keep your horses in, or out. These options include slip rails which are simple and effective, sturdy timber gates or metal gates for those wanting increased durability and security. This allows us to accommodate a wider range of tastes and practical challenges. Equally, we do offer double doors which can fully enclose the shelter as well as dividing internal walls/partitions. These options are more usual for those looking for a mobile building that can store hay or equipment.

Service, Delivery & Installation:

One question we're always asked is how long will it take. A new mobile field shelter is an exciting proposition and it's natural that people are impatient to get it installed as quickly as possible. The lead time offered by manufacturers varies quite widely and it also varies at different times of year. However, whilst we've been generous with the quoted times, it averaged between 6-8 weeks with some including a caveat that it might take up to four months. At Colt Stables we aim to deliver your new field shelter within two weeks.

Some manufacturers only offer installation to limited areas, so we excluded them from comparison. We offer nationwide installation as well as a DIY option.